"As you may know, a name is not easy to receive. The vast majority of people never even get a clue as to what one of their names might be related to. I was lucky as I found a hint when I was eight. From there I experimented with what I felt from that moment, and tried to see what I found exceedingly easy or odd." He sounded uncertain about it himself.
"What do you mean by a hint?" This was crucial information.
"Describing it would be fruitless, but I could sum it up as a buzzing in my Nexus. I just . . . knew." His pause spoke volumes to Breda. From what limited time they had spent walking together, she had gathered that he was a man who wished to help others, and certainly was not one to lie about something as life-altering as this.
"Then could I ask what your star does?"
Ezer shook his head. "Unfortunately that is a secret. Not even my wife knows. That information might threaten my life after all."
"A pity."
"I might be able to shed some light on how to help discover your star though."
"Truly?"
"Yes, although I can never guarantee that it will work."
"That is irrelevant."
"Perhaps. The best advice I can give is to simply try new things all the time. In the grand scheme of things you may never find a trigger to work with, but even in that case you will be able to have an interesting life, with minimal regrets."
Some rather sage-like advice from a man who didn't look the part.
Though honestly, this is probably the best advice that can be given. If you MAXIMIZE the amount of things you have tried or done, then you have by definition MINIMIZED the amount of things you have not. After all, who's to say you won't feel that same tingly feeling when you take a bite of that expensive cake? Or when you learn how to knit? Perhaps you might feel something similar when you accidentally breath in water when swimming?
With the amount of stars in the sky, the possibilities really where limitless.
A great deal of thinking followed as they navigated to the Gillian House. The thickening crowds and increasing frequency of stall indicating they were close.
"One more question then, Mister Ji. What were you doing when you felt that tingle?" She really felt she had to know. It was tantalizing to her. What could possibly have led him down his path? Might she be able to help her own children experience it too?
Surprisingly, General Ji's mood turned sour at this question.
"I do not wish to speak of it."
Those were the only words he spoke.
The rest of the trip was spent in silence. What was previously a lively conversation over their children, hobbies, and future, was cut short by this innocent intrusion. Breda could not help but think she had made a terrible, TERRIBLE, mistake somewhere along the line.
'Was it my tone? Was it hostile?' she thought to herself. 'Did he mention something about it and I missed it in my fatigue? Did I say something stupid? Does this also count as asking about his star?' As these thoughts raced inside her head she could not help but feel she had either missed something or had otherwise not received an important piece of information.
Why would this man she viewed as quite friendly and sociable suddenly become hostile over a simple question? Given where she lived and worked, it was very likely they would never meet again! How could she live with the regret of leaving a bad impression on someone who had treated her so kindly! Even if she didn't know what wrong she committed!
But alas, there was no longer a mood to talk, and probing about it would undoubtedly be seen negatively. She could only walk in silence with a head lowered in guilt.
Breda's head remained lowered and Ezer's mood soured for the rest of their trip, arriving at a large building made entirely of a red and purple wood, reminding her of a smoldering flame. A large sign over the front entrance read 'Gillian House' in bold golden letters. A clear indication of the establishment's wealth.
"Well here we are Miss Breda. Gillian House, quite the pompous guy, but equally honest as a practitioner of business. Shall we head inside?"
Although he wasn't in a good mood, he wasn't exuding the same hostile air as he was previously.
Breda was still meek as a rabbit regardless.
"...Yes, let's."
Seeing as this new attitude was entirely his responsibility, Ezer could not help but sigh and place his gargantuan hand hand on her petite shoulder.
"I am sorry for snapping at you earlier. I should have responded to it better."
Panic. "Oh no sir! I don't know what I did but I am sure I was in the wrong somehow! Please just forget about it."
"No, Breda. It is not your fault, it is mine. I reacted in a way unbecoming of the man I wish my son to be. To atone I must at least answer your question."
'Using my own advice against me so quickly is just unfair!' She really did just want to get out of this uncomfortable situation. "You don't have to if you don't want to."
"No," he shook his head. "I insist. At the time I felt my calling, I was being beaten by my father."